Dr. Dima Aziz Barakat
Chairperson of the Scientific Council
- Academic and expert in education and professional training, holding a Ph.D. in Arabic Language and Literature – Modern Literary Studies from Damascus University.
- Possesses over twenty years of experience in higher education, curriculum development, and the design of modern teaching and learning strategies.
- Specialized in developing university curricula based on the interactive communicative approach, including Arabic Language Skills for Specific Purposes and Arabic for Non-Native Speakers. She has also contributed to designing international academic programs and proficiency examinations in collaboration with prestigious institutions such as Yale University, University of Texas, University of Maryland, King Saud University, the UAE Ministry of Culture, and Zayed House for Islamic Culture.
- Certified Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Examiner by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), and an expert in applying American education quality standards—particularly in academic performance assessment and curriculum design.
- Former Resident Director of the U.S. Flagship Program in Syria, where she oversaw academic and training operations in coordination with Damascus University.
- Founder of an innovative educational initiative aimed at improving education quality in Syria and the Arab world through establishing a High Professional Qualification Framework aligned with international—especially American—standards. Her work bridges academic education with professional practice and enables institutions to achieve sustainable accreditation and quality.
- Author of several books and research papers in literature, criticism, and educational methodologies, with a focus on modern pedagogical approaches to language education and professional training.
- Participant in numerous regional and international conferences, representing Syria in research collaborations, most recently with the UAE Ministry of Culture.
- Currently serves as President of the American Board in Syria, Vice President of the American Open University, and Chief Executive Officer of Midmak International Academy (Syria | Australia). She is recognized for her strategic vision in advancing education and professional training according to global standards, empowering individuals and institutions to build competencies aligned with modern requirements.